Europe XI v South America XI

Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar v Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho v Xavi. Now imagine all of those battles in one big, footballing showdown between Europe and South America.

Let's take a look at the players that could be involved in what would be the greatest game of football ever played.

Europe:

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer | Germany

With Iker Casillas now on the wrong side of 30, Manuel Neuer is now arguably the greatest keeper in the world.

Left-back: Philipp Lahm | Germany

Yes, I realise that he now predominantly plays in the right-back position, but Philipp Lahm is just that good. The German captain is one of the only players in the world who looks comfortably on either flank.

Centre Back: Giorgio Chiellini | Italy

Experience and class personified, simply one of the greatest defenders in the game.

Centre-back: Carles Puyol | Spain

Captained Spain to world and European glory and a key figure in Barcelona's domination in Europe - he clearly obtains great leadership skills.

Right-back: Sergio Ramos | Spain

Although having impressed in his new role at centre-back, Sergio Ramos' pace and willingness to attack means he is one of the the best full-backs in the world.

Centre-midfield: Xavi | Spain

Tika-taka passing genius. Xavi's overall pass-rate success for last season was an astounding 93%.

Centre-midfield: Andres Iniesta | Spain

Andres Iniesta's vision and attacking threat have earned him four Ballon d'Or nominations in four years. One of the greatest midfielders to have ever graced the game.

Centre-midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger | Germany

Aggressive in the tackle, outstanding passing ability, and a hammer of a right peg. Bastian Schweinsteiger is a German engine in midfield.

Right-wing: Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has undoubtably proven himself in the top two players of the world and would be a distant first if it wasn't for one pesky Argentinian.

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Sweden

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for most of the best teams Europe has to offer: Ajax, Juventus, Intern Milan, Barcelona, Milan and now PSG. And most importantly, he has scored hatfuls of goals for each and every one. He is currently sitting on 25 goals in 27 appearances for PSG.

Left-wing: Gareth Bale | Wales

Gareth Bale has established himself as one of the world's hottest young talents this season, with some pundits crediting him with carrying Spurs' top-four hopes alone this season.

South America:

Goalkeeper: Julio Cesar | Brazil

With first-team football coming thick and fast at QPR this season, Julio Cesar has established himself as Brazil's number one. With QPR scrapping away at the bottom of the table, Cesar has claimed much credit in their battle to remain in the Premier League.

Left-back: Javier Zanetti | Argentina

At 39 years old, Javier Zanetti is simply a footballing miracle. Another product of the Serie A 'vintage' era, he brings a bit of everything to the table.

Centre-back: David Luiz | Brazil

David Luiz has coped well with his rotation role at Chelsea. His attacking threat coming from any small opportunity that comes his way. Exciting Brazilian flair coming from centre back is simply an opportunity not to be missed.

Centre-back: Javier Mascherano | Argentina

After proving himself as a solid holding player at both Liverpool and initially Barcelona, Javier Mascerano has now proved he his equally as disciplined and reliable at centre back.

Right-back: Daniel Alves | Brazil

There is really only one choice for this position, and Daniel Avles has shown that season after season in a Barcelona shirt.

Centre-midfield: Oscar | Brazil

Since his move to Chelsea in January, the 21-year-old starlet has been seeking to impress when given his chances under Rafael Benitez. Battling for places with the likes of Frank Lampard, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard, was never going to be easy. But the young Brazilian is really staking a claim with his creative, untiring style.

Centre-midfield: Esteban Cambiasso | Argentina

Moving from Real Madrid to Intern Milan in 2004, Cambiasso has proved his worth at the heart of midfield again and again. Creating chances and stopping the oppositions flow, he is a real work-horse in the centre of the park.

Centre-midfield: Ronaldinho | Brazil

When Ronaldinho plays, you take notice. Smiling his way through tricks and flicks and free-kick screamers. Ronaldinho has been in and out of the Brazilian team over the past few years; however, after being given his starting slot back by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, he's been a real joy to watch.

Right-wing: Lionel Messi | Argentina

The best player in the world. Possibly the best player footballer of all time - and that's that.

Striker: Neymar | Brazil

Everybody wants to add Neymar to their attacking options. He is one of the most talked about young strikers in the world - and for a reason. His goal tally of 48 goals for club and country between 2012/13 is testament to his soaring reputation.

Left-wing: Angel Di Maria | Argentina

Angel Di Maria has become a real outlet for Real Madrid this season. Pace, quick feet and pinpoint finishing ability have all ensured his pivotal role at the Bernabeu this season.

So, there you have it. Possibly the greatest game of football we could ever hope to watch.

Admittedly, there are competition for places. The bench for both teams would be impeccable, with some of the English lads hopefully making the cut for Europe. And possibly even someone splitting up the Brazilian and Argentinian dominance in South America.

Based solely on the players included in these two line-ups, however, just imagine what a fantastic spectacle this game would inevitably be.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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